System for making examination papers and having an automatic marking function

ABSTRACT

A system for making various kinds of examination papers and marking answers written in the papers is disclosed The system has a data base at which data representing a number of questions are registered, and a paper making apparatus for producing an examination paper by using the question data of the data base. When a desired number of questions is entered on a number designating device, a question making device randomly selects, among the questions registered at the data base, the desired number of questions and writes them in a question storage to thereby make questions. A paper outputting device forms an image representing the questions on a sheet to thereby produce an examination paper. In addition, the system is capable of automatically marking such examination papers.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/367,429, filed Dec. 30,1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,311.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system capable of producing variouskinds of examination papers and automatically marking them after anexamination.

In education facilities including schools and private schools,examinations are frequency given in order t o determine the result oflearner's efforts, to rate the standing based on the result, to give aqualification, or to select new students. It has been customary for ateacher or similar examiner to prepare questions and an originaldocument and produce a necessary number of examination papers by using acopier or simple printing machine, or hands it over to a traderconcerned for printing. Also used in the education facilities areexamination papers produced by a trader and printed with questionsprepared by the trader. After examination, such papers are usuallymarked by an examiner, e.g., teacher. In the event of an examination forentrance or qualification or a large-scale trial examination, papers aremarked by a number of persons or by an automatic marking system using acomputer. It is also a common practice to total the results of markingof numerous examinees by use of a computer so as to calculate a meanpercentage or deviations or tabulate or graph the results.

However, considerable labor is necessary for the examiner to prepareexamination papers by himself, particularly when an examination isconducted often. For this reason, a majority of examinations given inprimary schools, for example, are implemented by papers purchased fromtraders of concern. This brings about a problem that when an examinationusing such papers is conductive in one school, information on theexamination is leaked out at, for example, a private school before thesame papers are used in another school. Moreover, marking papers by handis time and labor-consuming and, therefore, inefficient and, inaddition, apt to result in errors. On the other hand, for automaticmarking, papers in the form of marking sheets are predominant on whichblank marks are printed beforehand to be painted by examinees. This kindof scheme is not desirable since questions must be answered in anextremely simple and limited way. Further, the automatic marking systemis not practicable without an exclusive and high-speed apparatus capableof reading a number of papers and marking them in a short period oftime. Such an apparatus needs a large capacity memory which increasesthe cost. In addition, since the automatic marking apparatus is largescale and requires special manipulation, it is not feasible for schoolsand private schools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a first object of the present invention to allowvarious kinds of papers to be readily produced by a copier which is oneof necessaries even in a school today, particularly a digital copier orsimilar image processing apparatus.

It is a second object of the present invention to allow papers withanswers entered therein to be marked automatically and easily by adigital copier or similar image processing apparatus.

In accordance with the present invention, a system for making anexamination paper has a data base storing a number of questionsregistered thereat, and an apparatus for making an examination paper byusing the questions registered at the data base. The apparatus has aquestion memory for storing data representing the questions receivedfrom the data base either directly or via a network, a numberdesignating device for designating a desired number of questions, aquestion making device for randomly selecting, among the number ofquestions registered at the data base, the desired number of questionsand writing them in the question memory to thereby make questions, andan outputting device for forming an image representing the questionsmade by the question making device on a recording sheet and outputtingthe sheet as an examination paper.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, a system for making anexamination paper has a data base storing a number of questionsregistered thereat, and an apparatus for making an examination paper byusing the questions registered at the data base. The data base has aquestion registering device for registering the number of questionswhile classifying the questions by rank. The apparatus has a questionmemory for storing the data of the questions received from the data baseeither directly or via a network, a result memory for storing theresults of past markings on an individual basis or a group basis, anumber designating device for designating a desired number of questions,a designating device for designating an individual or a group, a leveldetermining device for determining, based on data stored in the resultmemory and representing the results of past markings, the level of theindividual or the group designated by the designating device, a questionmaking device for selecting, among the number of questions registered atthe data base and classified by rank, the desired number of questionsdesignated by the number designating device and belonging to the rankmatching the level determined by the level determining device, and forstoring the desired number of questions in the question memory tothereby make questions, and an outputting device for forming an imagerepresenting the questions made by the question making device on a sheetand outputting the sheet as an examination paper.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, a data base has an imagereading device for reading the image of an examination paper, a questionregistering device for registering image data generated by the imagereading device as data representing questions, and a question sendingdevice for selectively sending the data of questions registered at thequestion registering device in response to a request received from theoutside.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, an image processingapparatus has a n image reading device for reading the image of adocument, an image memory for storing image data generated by the imagereading device, an image outputting device for forming the image datastored in the image memory on a sheet, a question recognizing device forrecognizing, when the image reading device reads an examination paper,questions out of the image data, a correct answer recognizing device forrecognizing correct answers, an answer recognizing device forrecognizing, out of the image data, characters, symbols or marksrepresenting answers to the questions, a correct answer data holdingdevice for holding data of correct answers to the questions beforehandor holding data of correct answers recognized by the correct answerrecognizing device, a marking device for comparing the answersrecognized by the answer recognizing device and the correct answers heldby the correct answer data holding device question by question tothereby determine whether or not the answers are correct, and forcalculating marks on the basis of the result of decision, a resultoutputting device for outputting the result of marking produced by themarking device on a sheet by forming an image representing the result, aquestion memory for receiving data of questions from a data base eitherdirectly or via a network, a number designating device for designating adesired number of questions, a question making device for randomlyselecting, among a number of questions registered at the data base, thedesired number of questions and storing the desired number of questionsin the question memory to thereby make questions, and an examinationpaper ouputting device for causing the image outputting device to forman image representing the questions made by the question making deviceon a sheet, and for outputting the sheet as an examination paper.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, an imageprocessing apparatus has an image reading device for reading the imageof a document an image memory for storing image data generated by theimage reading device an image outputting device for forming the imagedata stored in the image memory on a sheet, a question recognizingdevice for recognizing, when the image reading device reads a nexamination paper, questions out of the image data, a correct answerrecognizing device for recognizing correct answers, an answerrecognizing device for recognizing, out of the image data, characters,symbols or marks representing answers to the questions, a correct answerdata holding device for holding the data of correct answers to thequestions beforehand or holding the data of correct answers recognizedby the correct answer recognizing device, a marking device for comparingthe answers recognized by the answer recognizing device and the correctanswers held by the correct answer data holding device question byquestion to thereby determine whether or not the answers are correct,and for calculating marks on the basis of the result of decision, aresult outputting device for outputting the result of marking producedby the marking device on a sheet by forming an image representing theresult, a result memory for storing the result of marking on anindividual basis or a group basis, a question memory for receiving dataof questions from a data base either directly or via a network, a numberdesignating device for designating a desired number of questions, adesignating device for designating an individual or a group, a leveldetermining device for determining, based on cumulative data stored inthe result memory, the level of the individual or the group designatedby the designating device, a question making device for selecting, amongthe number of questions registered at the data base and classified byrank, the desired number of questions designated by the numberdesignating device and belonging to the rank matching the leveldetermined by the level determining device, and for storing the desirednumber of questions in the question memory to thereby make questions,and an outputting device for forming an image representing the questionsmade by the question making device on a sheet and outputting the sheetas an examination paper.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, an image processingapparatus has an image reading device for reading the image of adocument, an image memory for storing image data generated by the imagereading device, an image outputting device for forming an imagerepresenting the image data stored in the image memory on a sheet, arecognizing device for recognizing, when the image reading device readsan image of an examination paper, characters and rules out of resultingimage data, an image-to-text converting device for converting thecharacters and rules recognized by the recognizing device to apredetermined text format, a registering device for registering thecharacters and rules having the predetermined text format as data of anew examination paper, and a paper outputting device for causing theimage outputting device to form an image representing the dataregistered by the registering device on a sheet to thereby output anexamination paper.

In addition, in accordance with the present invention, an imageprocessing apparatus has an image reading device for reading the imageof a document, an image memory for storing image data generated by theimage reading device, an image outputting device for forming an imagerepresenting the image data stored in the image memory on a sheet, aquestion and correct answer recognizing device for recognizing, when theimage reading device reads the image of an examination paper containingquestions and correct answers described in an answer column, thecharacters of the questions and rules and the characters, symbols ormarks of the correct answers out of the resulting image data, animage-to-text converting device for converting the characters of thequestions and rules and the characters, symbols or marks recognized bythe question and correct answer recognizing device to a predeterminedtext format, a question registering device for registering the data ofthe questions having the predetermined text format as data of a newexamination paper, a correct answer registering device for registeringthe data of correct answers as correct answer data to the respectivequestions of the new examination paper, and a paper outputting devicefor causing the image outputting device to form an image representingthe data registered by the question registering device on a sheet tothereby output an examination paper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an examination papermaking system embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific constructionof a data base included in the embodiment of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are block diagrams each schematically showing anotheralternative embodiment of the present invention and having an automaticmarking function;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams each schematically showing an imageprocessing apparatus having a paper marking function in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific hardwarearchitecture of the system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a section showing a specific construction of a mechanicalarrangement forming part of a digital copier shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view demonstrating image formation to occuraround a photoconductive element included in a printer forming anotherpart of the copier shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a specific arrangement of an operationand display panel provided on the copier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing data processing andcontrol particular to the copier and an application section shown inFIG. 8 and constructed integrally with each other;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing a data processingsystem included in a scanner forming still another part of the copiershown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific constructionof an image processing circuit included in the system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing various modes available with anapplication section of FIG. 13 in combination with data stored;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for marking included in amark mode (I) of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a specific paper applicable to the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a specific format in which correct answer data are stored;

FIG. 19 shows a specific marked paper which is the combination of theimage of the paper shown in FIG. 17 and the result of marking;

FIG. 20 shows another specific paper to be produced by the system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 shows a specific graph showing mark data;

FIG. 22 shows a specific table also showing mark data;

FIG. 23 is a section showing another specific mechanical arrangement ofthe digital copier in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram schematically showing a system constructionof the data base of FIG. 8;

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a specific arrangement of an operationand display panel included in the construction of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart demonstrating a specific operation of the database shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram schematically showing a specific constructionof an image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing part of an operation and display panel ofFIG. 27 which joins in the production of a paper;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the apparatus ofFIG. 8 produces a paper in a question receive mode;

FIG. 30 shows a specific picture to appear in the procedure of FIG. 29for urging the operator to enter a desired field of questions;

FIG. 31 shows a specific picture for urging the operator to enter adesired number of questions;

FIG. 32 shows a specific picture for urging the operator to enter atelephone number;

FIG. 33 is a chart demonstrating a facsimile communication protocolbetween the data base of FIG. 24 and the apparatus of FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 shows a specific format of a signal NSF to be sent from the database;

FIG. 35 shows a specific format of a signal NSC to be sent from theapparatus;

FIG. 36 shows a specific format of a signal NSS to be sent from the database in response to the signal NSC;

FIG. 37 shows how a number of questions are registered at the data basewhile being classified by field and rank specifically;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing processing to be added to FIG. 29 whenthe apparatus is capable of designating a rank to which questionsbelong;

FIG. 39 shows a specific picture to appear in the procedure of FIG. 38for urging the operator to enter a degree of difficulty;

FIG. 40 shows a specific format of the signal NSF to be sent from thedata base in the procedure of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 shows a specific format of the signal NSC to be sent from theapparatus in the procedure of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 shows a specific format of the signal NSS to be sent from thedata base in response to the signal NSC in the procedure of FIG. 38;

FIG. 43 shows a specific result supervisory table for storing theresults of marking in a result memory shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 44 shows specific criteria for selecting a level of questions byreferencing the result memory of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a flowchart demonstrating processing to be added to FIG. 29when the apparatus is capable of automatically selecting a rank ofquestions; and

FIG. 46 shows a specific picture to appear in the procedure of FIG. 45for urging the operator to enter a name (code).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an examination paper making systemembodying the present invention is shown. As shown, the system isgenerally made up of a database at which a number of questions areregistered in the form of data, and an examination paper makingapparatus 7 for producing papers by using the question data registeredat the data base 5. The apparatus 7 has means L for receiving thequestion data from the data base 5 either directly or via a network andstoring them, means M for designating a desired number of questions,means N for selecting the designated number of questions randomly out ofthe questions registered at the data base 5, writing them in the storingmeans L, and thereby making questions, and means P for outputting apaper by forming an image representing the questions on a recordingsheet.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Asshown, the system is also made up of a data base 5' and an examinationpaper making apparatus 7'. In this embodiment, the data base 5' includesmeans a for registering a number of questions while classifying them byrank. In the apparatus 7', means L receives question data registered atthe data base 5' either directly or via a network and stores them. MeansS stores the results of past marking on an individual basis or groupbasis. Means M designates the number of questions. Means Q designates anindividual or a group. Means R determines the level of the individual orgroup designated by the means Q on the basis of the data stored in theresult storing means S. Means N' selects the number of questionsdesignated by the number designating means M out of the questions of thedata base 5' belonging to the rank matching the level which isdetermined by the level determining means R, writes them in the storingmeans L, and thereby makes questions. Means P outputs a paper by formingan image representing the questions on a recording sheet.

In each of the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an extra storage T mayadvantageously be included in the apparatus 7 or 7' in order to storethe questions made by the question making means N or N' as datarepresenting the paper, as indicated by a phantom line in the figures.

As shown in FIG. 3, the data base should preferably be provided withmeans b for reading the image of a paper, means c for registering theimage read by the reading means b as question data, and means d forselectively sending the question data registered at the registeringmeans c in response to a transmit request from the outside (apparatus 7or 7'). In the data base 5' shown in FIG. 2, the registering means c isimplemented as the registering means a which registers the numerousimages read by the reading means b while classifying them by rank.

FIGS. 4 and 5 each shows another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention additionally having an automatic marking function, i.e.,capable of achieving even the previously mentioned second object. Asshown, the systems each has a data base 5 and an image processingapparatus 1 or 1'. The apparatus 1 or 1' has means A for reading adocument image (image scanner), means B for storing image data generatedby the reading means A (image memory), and means C for outputting theimage data to form a corresponding image on a recording sheet (printer).Specifically, the apparatus 1 or 1' additionally includes means D forrecognizing, when the reading means A has read a paper, the questions onthe basis of the resulting image data, or means J for recognizingcorrect answers in the same way as the recognizing means D. Means Erecognizes, based on the image data, characters, symbols or marksrepresenting answers to the questions. Means F or F' stores beforehanddata representing correct answers to the questions recognized by therecognizing means D or holds data representing the correct answersrecognized by the correct answer recognizing means J. Means G compares,question by question, the answers recognized by the answer recognizingmeans E with the correct answers held by the correct answer holdingmeans F or F' in order to determine whether or not the answers arecorrect, and then calculates a mark. Means H causes the image outputtingmeans C to output the result of marking on a recording sheet.

The image processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 4 has question recognizingmeans D and correct answer data holding means F for storing beforehanddata representing correct answers to questions recognized by the meansD. The image processing apparatus 1' of FIG. 5 has correct answerrecognizing means J and correct answer data holding means F' for holdingdata representing correct answers recognized by the means J. However,the means D and F and the means J and F' may be replaced with eachother; the crux is that at least one of them be provided.

The apparatus of FIG. 4 additionally has question storing means Lsimilar to the means 7 of FIG. 1, number designating means M fordesignating a desired number of questions; question making means N, andpaper outputting means P for outputting a paper. The paper outputtingmeans P causes image outputting means C to form on a recording sheet animage representing the questions made by the question making means,thereby producing a paper.

The apparatus of FIG. 5 additionally has result storing means K similarto the paper outputting means 7', of FIG. 2, question storing means L,number designating means M, individual/group designating means Q, leveldetermining means R, question making means N', and paper outputtingmeans P. The result storing means K stores the results of past markingproduced by marking means G on an individual or group basis. The paperoutputting means P causes image outputting means C to form on a sheet animage representing the questions made by the question making means N',thereby producing a paper.

FIG. 6 shows an image processing apparatus capable of producing a paperswithout resorting to a data base. As shown, the apparatus has image sreading means A, image storing means B, and image outputting means C.When the image reading means A reads a paper set thereon, character andrule recognizing means U recognizes characters and rules out of theresulting image data. Image-to-text converting means V converts therecognized characters and rules to a text format. Paper data registeringmeans W registers the data of text format as data representing a newpaper. Paper outputting means X causes image outputting means C to formon a recording sheet an image representing the registered data, therebyproducing a paper.

FIG. 7 shows a modification of the apparatus of FIG. 6. As shown, whenimage reading means A reads a paper set thereon and printed withquestions and an answer column describing correct answers, question andcorrect answer recognizing means Y recognizes the characters of thequestions and rules and the characters, symbols or marks of the correctanswers out of the resulting image data, while distinguishing them fromeach other. Image-to-text converting means V' converts the recognizedcharacters and rule of the questions and the characters, symbols ormarks of the correct answers to a predetermined text format. Paper dataregistering means W registers data representing the questions of textformat as data representing a new examination paper. Correct answerregistering means Z registers data representing the correct answers ascorrect answer data respectively corresponding to the questions of thepaper. Paper outputting means X causes image outputting means C to formon a recording sheet an image representing the registered data, therebyproducing a paper.

Further, the apparatuses described above may be additionally providedwith the automatic marking function implemented by the means A-H of theapparatus 1 of FIG. 4 or the apparatus 1' of FIG. 5. In the apparatushaving the automatic marking function, the result outputting means H maybe so constructed as to cause the image outputting means C to form on apaper, read by the image reading means A, an image representing theresult of marking produced by the marking means G. In addition, thepaper outputting means X may be provided with a function of displayingthe data of registered paper, writing them in an external storage, ortransmitting them in response to a request received from the outside.

The examination paper producing systems described above will be operatedas follows.

In the system shown in FIG. 1, when a desired number of questions isentered on the number designating means M of the apparatus 7, thequestion making means N selects the designated number of questionsrandomly out of the numerous questions registered at the data base 5 andcauses the question storing means L to store them. The question paperoutputting means P prints the questions on a recording sheet to producea paper. This allows papers for various kinds of examinations to be madeup rapidly and easily only if a desired number of questions is enteredon the apparatus 7.

In the system shown in FIG. 2, an individual or a group to take anexamination is specified on the individual/group designating means Q ofthe apparatus 7. Also, a desired number of questions is entered on thenumber designating means M. Then, the level determining means Sdetermines the level of the individual or group by referencing theresult storing means S which stores data representing the results ofpast marking. The question making means N' selects, out of the numerousquestions registered at the rank-based question registering means a ofthe data base 5', the desired number of questions entered on the numberdesignating means M and causes the question storing means L to storethem. The paper outputting means P prints the questions on a recordingsheet to produce a question paper. Hence, the system can automaticallyselect questions matching the results of past marking of the individualor group and produce adequate papers rapidly and easily.

With the data base shown in FIG. 3, it is possible t o cause the imagereading means b to read a paper newly made up by an examiner, registerthem at the question registering means c or a in addition to thequestions registered beforehand, and send them in response to a requestfrom the outside (paper making means).

In the system shown in FIG. 4, when an ordinary document is set on andread by the image reading means 4, the resulting image data are writtento the image storing means B. The image data are printed out on arecording sheet by the image outputting means C. The system, therefore,allows a desired number of copies to be produced with ease, as with aconventional digital copier. The apparatus 1, like the apparatus 7 ofFIG. 1, can select a desired number of questions randomly out of thequestions registered at the data base 5 and output them on recordingsheets. When an examination paper or an answer paper filled with answersby an examinee is set on and read by the image reading means A, thequestion recognizing means D recognizes questions out of the resultingimage data. Then, correct answer data to the questions are read out ofthe correct answer holding means F. The answer recognizing means Erecognizes the characters, symbols or marks of the answers. The markingmeans G compares the recognized answers with the correct answer dataquestion by question, thereby calculating a mark. The result of markingis output on a recording sheet by the image outputting means C. In thismanner, a paper can be automatically marked only if it is set on theimage reading means.

The correct answer recognizing means J may recognize correct answer data(bar codes or similar codes) out of the image data read out of a paperand cause the correct answer data holding means F to hold them, as inthe apparatus 1' of FIG. 5. Further, the apparatus 1' of FIG. S iscapable of storing the results of past marking produced by the markingmeans G on an individual or group basis, and automatically selectingquestions matching a level which is based on the results of past markingof an individual or group. This successfully produces adequate papersreadily and easily.

In the apparatus of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, as in the apparatus of FIG. 4 orFIG. 5, when an ordinary document to be copied is set on and read by theimage reading means A, the resulting image data are once written to theimage storing means B and then output on a recording sheet by the imageoutputting means. Hence, a desired number of copies can be readilyproduced, as with a conventional digital copier. It is possible, withouta data base, to register data of a paper at the paper data registeringmeans W while, if desired, registering data of correct answers toquestions at the correct answer registering means Z. The data of thepaper can be read out by the paper outputting means X and printed out ona recording sheet by the image outputting means C. Such apparatuses maybe additionally provided with the automatic marking function implementedby the means A-H of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Then, they can reproduce ordinarydocuments, produce examination papers, and automatically mark thepapers, as desired. In the apparatus having the automatic marking means,the result outputting means H may be so constructed as to cause theimage outputting means C to form the result of marking produced by themarking means G on a paper itself which has been read by the imagereading means A. This allows circles, crosses, triangles and similarpatterns, showing whether or not answers are correct, to be printed onthe individual paper together with a mark. The marked paper appears asif it were marked by hand.

The present invention will be described more specifically hereinafter.

FIG. 8 shows a specific hardware architecture of the examination papermaking system in accordance with the present invention. As shown, animage processing apparatus 1 is included in the system and has a digitalcopier 2 and an application section 3 for implementing the markingprocedure and paper making procedure. The application section 3 isconnected to the copier 2 by various kinds of cables used to interchangecommands and images. The apparatus 1 has the functions described withreference to. FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.

The application section 3 has an application controller 31 including aCPU (Central Processing Unit) which is supervised by an OS (OperatingSystem), and an application board 32 connected to the controller 31 by abus in order to, for example, execute various kinds of decisions, markpapers, make questions, and generate images. The application section 3interchanges image data with the copier 2 by using RS232C communicationcommands. If desired, the application section 3 may be loaded with anapplication program, dictionary, font data, question data (includingcorrect answers and allotting of marks) and other data implemented by anIC card 33. Such data may be received from the data base 5 via anetwork. Alternatively, the data base may be implemented as amagnetooptical (MO) disk drive, floppy disk drive (FDD), hard disk drive(HDD) or similar external storage 6 connected to the apparatus 1 bySCSI. While an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 34 is included in theapplication section 3, it can be implemented by a display provided onthe operation and display panel of the copier 2. For the data base 5,use is made of a personal computer (PC) or a work station (WS) whichstores numerous question data in a memory thereof, as will be describedin detail later.

FIG. 9 shows a specific construction of the digital copier 2. As shown,the copier 2 is generally made up of an image scanner (or simply scanneras referred to hereinafter) 100 located on the top of the copier 2, anda laser printer (or simply printer as referred to hereinafter) 200disposed below the scanner 100. FIG. 10 shows an arrangement around aphotoconductive drum 202 included in the printer 200.

A glass platen 101 is mounted on the top of the scanner 100 to be loadedwith a document. A cover plate 102 is hinged to the scanner 100 anddisposed above the glass platen 101. An optical scanning system, oroptics, 103 is located below the glass platen 101 and includes a lamp104. When the lamp 104 illuminates the underside of a document laid onthe glass platen 101 face down, the resulting imagewise reflection isincident to a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) color image sensor 106 by wayof mirrors and a lens 105 also included in the optics 103.

Since the optics 103 is driven in the right-and-left direction, asviewed in FIG. 9, by a drive mechanism, the color image sensor 106 readsthe imagewise light from the document line by line. The color imagesensor generates color image data in the form of three different signalsrespectively corresponding to R (red), G (green) and B (blue) componentsconstituting the incident light. The image data read by the CCD 106 areonce written to an image memory which will be described, subjected toimage processing, converted to output image data, and then delivered toa writing device 201 included in the printer 200. In the writing device,a laser beam is modulated by the output image data and emitted viawriting optics. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the laser beam exposesthe surface of the photoconductive drum 202 which is rotating in adirection indicated by an arrow in the figure.

The surface of the drum 202 is uniformly charged to a predetermined highpotential by a first charger 203 beforehand. Hence, as the laser beam isincident to the charged surface of the drum 202, the charge isselectively dissipated in accordance with the intensity of the incidentlight. As a result, a particular potential distribution matching thedocument image, i.e., an electrostatic latent image is formed on thedrum 202. A black developing unit 4 has two developing rollers R1 andR2, FIG. 10. When the latent image passes by the black developing unit204, the developing rollers R1 and R2 supply it with a black developerwhich constitutes a developer in combination with a carrier.Consequently, the black toner is deposited on the latent image toproduce a corresponding toner image. A second charger 205 restores, bycorona discharge, the surface potential of the drum 202 attenuated bythe formation of the black image. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 206 forsecond exposure are selectively turned on in association with a redimage, thereby forming a red latent image on the drum 202. A developingunit 207 store a single component type red developer, i.e., nonmagneticred toner. The red toner is deposited on the red latent image to form acorresponding red toner image without disturbing the black imageexisting on the drum 202.

Sheet cassettes 212 and 213 each stores recording sheets (plain papers)of particular size. A sheet is fed from the cassette 212 or 213 toward aregistration roller pair 216 by a group of feed rollers 214 or 215. Theregistration roller pair 216 once stops the sheet and then drives it insynchronism with the image formation on the drum 202. When the sheetarrives at the drum 202, the composite black and red toner image chargedto negative polarity is transferred to the sheet P, FIG. 10, by atransfer belt 208. At this instant, a predetermined positive biasvoltage is applied to the transfer belt 208. After the image transfer,the sheet P is separated from the drum 202 by a separator 209 andconveyed to a fixing unit 217 by the belt 208. After the toner image hasbeen fixed on the sheet by the fixing unit 217 using heat, the sheet isdriven out to a tray 219 by a group of discharge rollers 218.

After the image transfer and sheet separation, the toner remaining onthe drum 202 is removed by a cleaning brush BK and a cleaning blade CBincluded in a cleaning unit 210. Also, charges remaining on the drum 202are dissipated by full-surface exposure effected by LEDs 211 and ACcorona discharge effected by a discharger.

In FIG. 9, a manual tray is mounted on the copier 2 and used to feedsheets different in size or kind from the sheets stored in the cassettes212 and 213 by hand. In a duplex copy mode or a composite copy mode, asheet carrying an image on one side thereof and come out of the fixingunit 217 is redirected to a refeed path 221 by ,the discharge rollers218 and again fed to between the drum 202 and the transfer belt 208.

FIG. 11 shows a specific arrangement of an operation and display panel21 provided on the copier 2. As shown, the panel 21 has at the left-handside various keys in accordance with the present invention and used toselect the functions available with the application section 3, FIG. 8.These keys are a mark key 11, a graph key 12, a table key 13, a questionkey 14, and a register key 15. With these keys, it is possible to selecta mark mode for marking papers, a graph mode or a table mode forgraphing or tabulating the results of a series of markings or themarking data stored, or a register mode for registering datarepresenting a paper newly made up. A receive key 14a, a field key 14band a number key, all of which relate to questions, are valid only whena question make mode is selected on the question key 14. The referencenumeral 34 designates an LDC (also shown in FIG. 8) for displayingguidances and marks in the various modes.

Also arranged on the panel 21 are a start key 16, a stop key 27, numeralkeys 17, a display and input portion 18 implemented by a liquid crystaltouch panel, and keys 19 for selecting a paper size, image density,magnification, etc. The numeral keys 17 are accessible for enteringvarious kinds of numerical values, e.g., a desired number of copies andand a desired number of questions. The keys 19 or the display and inputportion 18 is also used to print a composite image (an imagerepresenting a paper in black and an image representing a marking inred), to send or receive data, and to write or read data in or out ofthe external storage.

The digital copier 2 and application section 3 of the apparatus shown inFIG. 8 may be arranged integrally w it h each other, as will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 12. As shown, a CPU bus connectsvarious blocks to a copy control CPU 20 and an application control CPU30. The blocks located above the CPU bus 40 in the figure represent theblocks of the copier 2 to be mainly controlled or used by the copycontrol CPU 20. These blocks include, in addition to the scanner 100,printer 200 and operation and display panel 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory)22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, an image memory 24, an imageprocessor 25, and a communication control unit (CCU) 26. The ROM 22 is afixed memory storing application programs and font data to be used bythe CPU 20 or 30. The RAM 23 serves as a buffer memory,work memory forthe CPUs, and memory for temporarily storing the results of recognition,marking, etc. The image memory 24 is used to store the output of theimage processor 25 which processes image data representing a documentread by the scanner 100. The image memory 24 may be implemented by partof the RAM 23, if desired. The image processor 25 will be described indetail later The CCU 26 controls communication for interchanging datawith the data base 5, e.g., host computer or personal computer via anetwork. A modem and network control unit are also included in thesystem, although not shown in the figure.

The blocks shown below the CPU bus 40 in the figure represent the blocksof the application section 3 to be mainly controlled or used by theapplication control CPU 30. These blocks include a bar code recognition35, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) 36, a dictionary search 37, adictionary 38, a marking 29, an image drawing 41, a data store 42, andan external storage 43. The bar code recognition 35 recognizes, out ofimage data generated by the scanner 100, a bar code specifying questionsprinted on a paper, bar codes describing correct answer to respectivequestions, or similar bar codes. The OCR 36 recognizes, also out ofimage data generated by the scanner 100, characters of questions printedon a paper, rules forming an answer column, and handwritten characters,symbols or marks including an examinee's number. At the same time, theOCR 36 causes the dictionary search 37 to compare, for example, therecognized characters with the dictionary 38. While the marking 39implements the marking function and paper making function, which are themajor functions of the present invention, it will be described later indetail When paper data, marks, circle, cross and triangle patternsindicating the results of evaluation, characters and symbolsrepresenting correct answers, and comments are to be printed, the imagedrawing 41 transforms them to image data. The data store 42 storesquestion data and correct answer data received from the data base,comment data, marks, marking patterns (circle, cross, triangle, etc.)and supervisory data. The external storage 43 causes data to be writtento a recording medium removable from the copier, e.g., a medium includedin an MO disk device, FDD device or HDD device.

A reference will be made to FIGS. 13 and 14 for describing the systemfor processing the data generated by the scanner 100. FIG. 13 shows partof the control section of the copier which mainly joins in imageprocessing. There are shown in the figure a video processor 51, an imageprocessor 52, a selector 53, a video writing circuit 54, a laser diode(LD) controller 55, and an LED controller 56. The circuitry iscontrolled by the copy control CPU 20 , shown in FIG. 12. The. colorimage sensor 106 and video processor 51 belong to the scanner 100. Thevideo processor 51 transforms the analog R, G and B signals from theimage sensor 106 to digital signals and then executes offset correction,shading correction, pixel position correction and other conventionalprocessing with the digital signals, thereby producing multilevel redimage data DR, green image data DG, and blue image data DB. The imageprocessor 52 is included in the image processor 25, FIG. 12. As shown inFIG. 14, this circuit 52 is made up of a color separation circuit 61, anMTF (Modulation Transfer Function) correction circuit 61, a binarizingcircuit 62, a magnification change circuit 64, a gamma (γ) correctioncircuit 65, and an image quality processing circuit 66. The imageprocessor 52 executes processing with the image data DR, DG and DB fromthe video processor 51, as will be described in detail later.

Multilevel black image data BK and bilevel red image data from the imageprocessor 52 are once written to the image memory 24. The image dataread out of the image memory 24 are fed to a video writing circuit ofthe printer 200 in an ordinary copy mode or to the application section 3in a mark mode. The selector 53 partly belongs to the image processor 25and can manipulate (outline, shadow, italicize, etc.) or edit (move,combine, etc.) the individual image data to be delivered to the videowriting circuit 54. In the event of printing the result of marking or apaper, image data generated by the image drawing 41 are fed from theapplication section 3 to the selector 53. Red image data RD,representing the result of marking, are combined with the black imagedata BKD fed from the image memory 24 and representing a The compositeblack and red image data are fed to the video writing circuit 54. When apaper should be output, only the black data BKD are sent to the videoprocessing circuit 54.

The video writing circuit 54 transforms the individual image data fromthe selector 53 to video signals matching the writing speed of theprinter 200. The circuit 54 controls the LD controller 55 on the basisof the black image data BKD so as to modulate a laser beam issuing froman LD 223 included in the writing device 201, FIG. 9. When red imagedata RD is present, the circuit 54 controls the LED controller. 56 so asto selectively turn on or turn off the LEDs 206, FIGS. 9 and 10.

The processing to be executed by the video processor 51 and imageprocessor 52 will be described in more detail The video processor 51transforms the R, G, and B image signals from the color image sensor 106to digital signals, while giving a, suitable gain thereto. Then, theprocessor 51 executes black offset correction shading correction andpixel position correction with the digital signals and outputs theresulting red image data DR, green image data IDG and blue image data DBin synchronism with a preselected clock. The data DR , DG and DB eachhas eight bits. The black offset correction refers to subtracting theblack level of dark current of the image sensor 106 from the image data.The shading correction is effected to eliminate irregularitiesattributable to irregularities in the quantity of light to issue fromthe lamp 104, FIG. 9, in the main scanning direction and differences insensitivity between the pixels of sensors constituting the image sensor106 and assigned to the respective colors. For the shading correction,the scanner 100 reads a white plate of uniform density before scanning adocument. Data representing the white plate are stored pixel by pixeland then used to divide image data representing a document pixel bypixel. The pixel position correction is executed in order to correctdeviations between pixels in the vertical direction which occurs whenthe image sensor 106 is implemented as a three line image sensor.

As shown in FIG. 14, the image processor 52 receives the image data DR,DG and DB from the video processor 51. In the image processor 52, thecolor separating circuit 61 separates the input image data DR, DG and DBinto M Rultilevel black image data and red image data. The MTFcorrection circuit 62 executes MTF correction with the eight bit black.image data. The binarizing circuit 63 binarizes the red image data toproduce one bit red image data. The magnification change circuit 64electrically changes the magnification of the data from the MTFcorrection circuit 62 and the data from the binarizing circuit 63. Thegamma correction circuit 65 subjects the black image data from themagnification change circuit 64 to gamma correction. The image qualityprocessing circuit 66 executes dither processing error scattering orsimilar processing (tonality processing) with the image data from thegamma correction circuit 65. The MTF correction circuit 62 corrects, forexample, the deterioration of the optical frequency characteristic byusing a bidimensional spatial filter.

To operate the image processing apparatus in an ordinary copy mode, adocument is laid on the glass platen 101, FIG. 9, face down. After adesired number of copies has been entered on the numeral keys 17 (notentered in a single copy mode), the start key 16 is pressed. Then, thescanner 100 reads the document to generate corresponding image data. Theimage data are processed by the image processor 25, as stated above, andthen written to the image memory 24. The printer 200 prints out theimage data stored in the memory 24 a number of times corresponding tothe desired number of copies.

While the image processing apparatus is capable o f producing copies intwo colors the operation thereof is identical with the operation of aconventional bicolor digital copier and, therefore, will not notdescribed specifically.

A reference will be made to FIGS. 15-22 for describing the operation ofthe application section 3 in each of a mark mode, graph mode, and papermake mode.

FIG. 15 shows procedures representing the modes available with theapplication section 3 in relation to stored data. In the figure,routines (I), (II) and (III) respectively occur in the mark mode, graphmode, and paper make mode. Among the various kinds of data, image dataare written to the image memory 24. The recognition result data, drawnimage data and data for generating a graph are written to the RAM 23.The fonts are stored in the ROM 22, The correct answer (and markallotting) data, comment data, marking patterns (circles, crosses, etc.)and supervisory data are written to the data storage 42. Such data areeach stored beforehand or stored after recognition or paper making.

When the mark key 11 on the operation and display panel 21, FIG. 11, ispressed, the mark mode is set up. A paper to be marked is laid on theglass platen 101 face down in the same manner as an ordinary document.When the start key 16 is pressed, the scanner 100 reads the paper. Theresulting image data are processed by the image processor 25 and thenwritten to the image memory 24. Subsequently, the routine (I) shown inFIG. 15 begins. First, the image data representing the paper are readout of the image memory 24 and then recognized by the OCR 36 (and barcode recognition 35). Specifically, the image area and regions of theinput image data are recognized, and then the lines and the positions ofcharacters (including symbols and marks) on the lines are recognized.Subsequently, the individual characters (type and handwriting) and rulesare recognized by OCR. When an identification number is printed on thepaper, it is also recognized. In the event of marking, among the correctanswer (and mark allotting) data stored in the data storage 42beforehand, the data matching the questions of the paper with the IDnumber can be designated.

FIG. 17 shows a specific paper 70 having an answer column filled withanswers by an examinee. A bar code 71 is printed on the paper 70 andrepresents an ID number for identifying questions. In this case, the barcode recognition 35 recognizes the bar code 71 to determine the IDnumber. With the ID number, it is possible to designate, among the datastored in the data storage 42, the data associated with questions(Q1-Q8) printed on the question portion 72 of the paper 70, as statedabove. As shown in FIG. 18 specifically, the correct answer data consistof codes (or patterns or font) representing the characters and symbolsof correct answer data, and the positions of the answers on the paper70. The OCR further recognizes an examinee's number entered into anumber box 73 printed on the paper 70 and handwritten characters, e.g.,the answers put in the answer column 74. As for the state of the arttechnologies for recognizing handwritten characters, the charactersshould preferably be limited to numerals, alphabets, katakana, signsincluding "+" and "-", and marks including "o" and "x" which are easy torecognize. However, a broader range of characters will be usable in thefuture, thanks to the advancing recognition technologies. After theabove recognition, data representing the results of recognition arewritten to the RAM 23 in a preselected format. The marking 39 marks therecognized answers by using the correct answer data stored in the datastorage 42.

A marking procedure is shown in FIG. 16. As shown, the marking 39sequentially reads the answer data out of the RAM 23 one question at atime (e.g. answer data sequentially recognized in the consecutive boxes1-8 of the answer column 74, FIG. 17) and reads the correct answer dataand mark allotting data respectively associated with the questions outof the storage 42. Then, the marking 39 determine whether or not theanswer data and the correct answer data match each other and, if theymatch, produces a mark based on the mark allotting data. For example,assume that 10 marks is allotted. to each of Q. 1! to Q. 4! of the paper70 shown in FIG. 17. Then, if the answer to Q. 1! is correct, 10 marksis given. The marking 39 causes the RAM 23 to add up such marks.Preferably, the results of decision on the marked answers should also bewritten to the RAM 23. If the answer data and correct answer data do notmatch, the calculation and storage of marks are not effected. Further,if the same mark is allotted to all the questions, reading the markallotting data only once will suffice.

Subsequently, whether or not the next answer data is present isdetermined. If the answer of this decision is positive, the programreturns to the step of reading answer data. Such a procedure is repeateduntil all the answer data produced from a single paper have been dealtwith. When the RAM 23 run out of the answer data, meaning the end ofmarking, the program ends this subroutine and returns to the mainroutine (I), FIG. 15. Whether or not the data stored in the RAM 23should be printed out is determined. Usually, such data should beprinted out, the summed mark data stored in the RAM 23 and, if theresults of decision on the individual answers are also stored, such dataare sent to the drawing 41. The drawing 41 draws the data from the RAM23 over the image of the paper read by the scanner 100 and stored in theimage memory 24. If the data do not have to be printed out, they aretransferred to the data storage 42 as supervisory data and, at the sametime, displayed on the LCD 34, FIG. 11, in a predetermined format.

The drawing 41 draws the marks or percentage in a numerical image byusing the font of the ROM 22. If symbols representing "correct" and"incorrect" should be printed together with the marks, the drawing 41also reads circle, cross and other marking patterns out of the datastorage 42 and draws them in positions corresponding to the positions ofthe answers in the answer column. In addition, for incorrect answers,characters or symbols representing correct answers as well as commentdata, if desired, may be read out of the data storage 42 and drawn overthe image of the paper. For this kind of data, use may advantageously bemade of a cache memory. The data drawn by the drawing 41 are sent to theselector 53, FIG. 13, while being combined with the image data of thepaper read out of the image memory 24.

The printer 200 prints out the two kinds of image data on a singlerecording sheet, as shown in FIG. 19 specifically. In FIG. 19, a sheetcarries an image identical with the paper 70, FIG. 17, printed thereon,marks resembling a handwriting printed in a mark box 85, and circles andcrosses respectively representing correct answers and incorrect answersand also resembling a handwriting printed in an answer column 84. Atthis instant, the image identical with the paper 70 and the marks andcircle and cross patterns may be respectively printed in black and inred. This will show the result of marking more clearly as if the answerswere marked by an examiner. Of course, the developing units 204 and 207,FIG. 9, may be replaced with units storing toner other than black tonerand red toner. It should be noted that while the two kinds of image dataare printed out in two colors, the image representing the result ofmarking must be written to the area of the memory independent of thearea assigned to the image of the paper 70.

FIG. 20 shows another specific paper 70' on which bar codes 76 arerespectively printed in the vicinity of the boxes 1-8 of an answercolumn 74'. The bar codes 76 each describes a correct answer to aquestion associated with one of the answer boxes 1-8. In this case,after the bar code recognition 35 has sequentially recognized thepositions of the bar codes 76 and the codes represented by the bar codes76, correct answers can be decoded from the recognized positions andcodes. This makes it needless to recognize the questions, i.e., allowseach answer to be marked immediately by comparing the recognized answerdata and correct answer data on a question basis.

When the graph key 12 on the operation and display panel 21 is pressed,the graph mode is set up. Then, the graph mode routine (11) shown inFIG. 15 begins. First, parameters for desired data, e.g., data forspecifying data to be graphed and entered on the operation and displaypanel 21 are accepted. The data to be graphed include the results of aplurality of past examinations particular to an individual, and marksgiven to all the students in a class in; a single examination. Then,among the supervisory data stored in the data storage 42, designateddata are transformed to a preselected format available with conventionalgraphing technologies and then written to the RAM 23. The resultinggraph data are sent to the printer 200. In response, the printer 200prints a graph on a recording sheet, as shown in FIG. 21 specifically.On the other hand, when the table key 13 on the operation and displaypanel 21 is selected, the table mode is set up. In this mode operation,desired data are tabulated in the same manner as the data to be graphed.FIG. 22 shows a specific table printed on a recording sheet.

When the question key 14 on the operation and display panel 21 isselected, the paper make mode is set up and causes the routine (III) ofFIG. 15 to occur. First, parameters necessary for making questions,i.e., the field and level of questions to be made and the number ofdesired questions are entered on the operation panel 21. For example,when the field key 14b is pressed, numbers (codes) each representing aparticular field appear on the display 34 and allow the operator toenter a desired field on the numeral keys 17. To enter the desirednumber of questions, the operator presses the number key 14c and thenenters it on the numeral keys 17. Subsequently, the operator presses thereceive key 14a. Then, the data base 5, FIG. 8, randomly selects, amongthe numerous questions registered thereat, the desired number ofquestions belonging to the desired field (and level) and sends them tothe apparatus as question data. These question data are written to theRAM 23 or a cache memory. The drawing 41 draws the received questions inthe RAM 23 in a predetermined format. Data representing the questionsdrawn in the RAM 23 are transferred to the printer 200 and printed outon a sheet thereby. As a result, a paper similar to, for example, thepaper shown in FIG. 20 is produced. A desired number of papers, like adesired number of copies, may be entered on the operation panel 21together with the above mentioned parameters, if desired,

To enter the parameters, use may be made of a job sheet, as follows.After a job sheet has been set on the scanner 100, the scanner 100 readsit and generate corresponding image data. Characters or bar codes arerecognized out of the image data, as in the mark mode, and thentransformed to code data. Subsequently, a desired number of questiondata matching the code data are randomly read out of the data storage 42and written to the RAM 23. At this instant, the question data, like theanswer data, are stored as compressed data and are, therefore, decodedbefore written to the RAM 23.

The CCU 26 allows necessary question data from being transferred fromthe external storage 43 or an external data base and written to the datastorage 42 beforehand. In such a case, if numerous questions areregistered at the storage 43 or external data base while beingclassified by rank, they will be written to the data storage 42 inranks. Alternatively, by supervising data representing the results ofmarking on an individual or group basis, it is possible to produce totaldata indicating, for example, the level to which an examinee belongs orthe field which is low as to the percentage of correct answers,designate an individual or group so as to judge the level, and selectquestions belonging to a rank matching the judged level. The questionsmade for such an individual or group may be registered at and stored inthe medium of the external storage 43 as paper data.

When the register key 15 on the operation panel 21 is pressed, thequestion register mode is set up. In this mode, the operator sets a newpaper on the scanner 100 and then presses the start key 16. Then, thescanner 100 reads the paper in the same manner as in the mark mode. Theresulting image data are once written to the image memory 24. The OCR 36recognizes characters and rules and transforms them to a predeterminedformat. This format is written to the area of the RAM 23 assigned to theresults of recognition and, at the same time, registered at the datastorage 42. Such data in the form of a text may be written to the floppydisk, MO disk or similar medium of the external storage 43. Then, it ispossible to mount the medium to, for example, a personal computer, asneeded. Alternatively, the data may be directly transferred to apersonal computer or the like via a network. In any case, answer datagenerated by the personal computer or the like can be registered at thedata storage 42 as additional data.

Further, assume a paper consisting of a question portion and an answerportion in which answers were entered. Then, marker recognitionavailable with the editing function or the cover plate 102, if it isimplemented as a digitizer, may be used to recognize the answer portionand the question portion represented by image data read out such a paperwhile distinguishing them from each other. This kind of scheme allows anew paper and correct answer data to the questions of the paper to beregistered without resorting to an editing operation on, for example, apersonal computer. The printer 200 may print out the newly registeredpaper data (except for correct answer data) on a desired number ofrecording sheets so as to produce papers.

With the copier 2 shown in FIG. 9, a person, intending to mark a stackof papers, must open the cover plate 102, lay one paper on the glassplaten 101, have the paper marked, open the plate 102, pick up thepaper, and repeat such a procedure with the other papers since thecopier 2 lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF). Assume that thecopier 2 is provided with an ADF. Then, when papers are stacked on thedocument tray of the ADF and then the start key 16 is pressed, thepapers will be automatically fed to the glass platen one by one, read bythe scanner 100, and the driven out. The ADF, therefore, allows a numberof papers to be marked rapidly without resorting to manual operation.

Referring to FIG. 23, another specific construction of a digital copierwith which the present invention is practicable is shown. Briefly, thecopier has a scanner and a printer built in a miniature housing andsharing a common sheet conveyance path. A document read by the scanneris conveyed to the printer at a predetermined timing, so that a newimage may be printed on the document. Specifically, the copier,generally 8, has a cassette type sheet feed device 81 for selectivelyfeeding recording sheets or documents, a registration roller pair 82, amanual sheet feed device 83, a timing roller pair 85, a guide or pathselector 86, a photoconductive drum 87, a main charger 88, laser optics89, a developing unit 90, and a transfer charger 91. Further, the copier8 has a fixing unit 92, a discharge roller pair 93, a tray 94 assignedto copies, a cleaning unit 95, an image reading section 96 for reading adocument image and implemented by, for example, a CCD line image sensor,and a tray 97 assigned to documents. The path extending from the timingroller pair 85 to the discharge roller pair 97 is shared by documentsand recording sheets. Arranged on such a common path are an imagetransfer section where the drum 87 and transfer charger 91 face eachother, and the image reading section 96 located upstream of the imagetransfer section. The application section 3 stated earlier is connectedto or built in the copier 8 in order to implement the image processingdevice in accordance with the present invention.

An image forming procedure particular to the copier 8 is as follows. Onthe start of an image forming operation, a recording sheet is fed fromthe cassette type sheet feed device 81 toward the registration rollerpair 82. On abutting against the registration roller pair 82, the sheetis stopped and corrected as to skew. After one or more pages of videodata have been generated, the drum 87 is rotated in a directionindicated by an arrow in the figure. The main charger 88 uniformlycharges the surface of the drum 87 to predetermined polarity. The laseroptics 89 exposes the charged surface of the drum 87 by scanning it inthe main scanning direction with a laser beam modulated by the videodata. As a result, a latent image is electrostatically formed on thedrum 87. The developing unit 90 develops the latent image by toner toproduce a corresponding toner image. The transfer charger 91 transfersthe toner image from the drum 87 to the sheet being driven by theregistration roller pair 82. The sheet, or copy, is separated from thedrum 87 and conveyed to the fixing unit 92 to have the toner image fixedthereon. The sheet coming out of the fixing unit 92 is driven out towardthe tray 94 by the discharge roller pair 93. After the image transfer,the toner remaining on the drum 87 is removed by the cleaning unit 95.

The image forming procedure described above is practicable not only witha sheet fed from the sheet feed device 81, but also with a sheet or adocument fed from the manual feed device 83 by hand.

How the image processing apparatus 8 reads a document image will bedescribed hereinafter. On the start of an image reading operation, adocument is fed from the manual feed device 83 to the image readingsection 96 face down. The timing roller pair 85 corrects the skew of thedocument by stopping the movement of the document for a moment. Thetiming roller pair 85 drives the sheet along the reading surface of theimage reading section 96. This section 96 reads an image printed on theunderside of the document. When the path selector 86 is held in aposition indicated by a solid line in the figure, it guides the documentcoming out of the image reading section 96 to the document tray 97,i.e., to the outside of the apparatus 8. When the path selector 86 i sposition as indicated by a phantom line, it guides the document to theimage transfer section. In this case, a new image will be formed on theunderside of the document, which has been read by the image readingsection 96, before the document is driven out to the tray 94

A number of documents may be stacked on the sheet feed device 81 andsequentially fed to the image reading section 96. These documents mayalso be conveyed to the image forming section so as to form desiredimages thereon.

Assume that the image processing apparatus 8 is operated in the markmode. Papers, such as one shown in FIG. 17, collected after theexamination are stacked on the sheet feed device 81 or inserted into theapparatus 8 from the manual sheet feed device 83 one by one. The timingroller pair 85 drives the paper along the reading surface of the imagereading section 96 at a predetermined timing. In this case, the pathselector 86 is held in the solid line position and guides the papercoming out of the image reading section 96 toward the document tray 97.At this instant, the paper is once stopped with the trailing edgethereof nipped by the registration roller pair 82. In this condition,the apparatus 8 marks the answers of the paper to the questions whichhave been recognized out of the image data read by the image readingsection 96 and written to an image memory, as in the previousembodiment. The apparatus 8 draws a circle or a cross for each answerand marks and then forms a corresponding toner image on the drum 87.During this period of time, the registration roller pair 82 is reversedto again move the paper from the tray 97 toward the image readingsection 96. Then, the path selector 86 is switched to the phantom lineposition. The registration roller pair 82 is again rotated forward toconvey the paper to the image transfer section where the drum 87 andcharger 91 face each other.

At the image transfer section, the toner image formed on the drum 87 istransferred to a predetermined position on the paper, fixed by thefixing unit 92, and then driven out to the copy tray 94. As a result,the marks and circles and crosses are directly printed on the paper. Theresulting paper appears similar to the sheet 80 shown in FIG. 19. Inaddition, this kind of scheme does not need additional sheets which areundesirable from the resource saving standpoint, and provides theexaminees with their own examination papers which appear more naturalthan recording sheets.

Assume that the marking step can be completed in an extremely shortperiod of time, or that the image reading section 96 and registrationroller pair 82 are spaced apart a distance greater than the length ofthe examination paper and, therefore, great enough for the paper read bythe image reading section 96 up to the rear end to remain in a halt withthe leading edge nipped by the registration roller pair 82. Then, thepaper can be directly conveyed to the image transfer section withoutbeing once discharged to the tray 97. Alternatively, a circulation pathmay be provided in the apparatus 8 in order to return the paper from thefixing unit 92 to the registration roller pair 82. Then, after the paperread by the image reading section 96 has been simply passed through theimage transfer section and fixing unit 92, it can be returned to theregistration roller pair 82 and again fed to the image transfer sectionat a predetermined timing. This is desirable when some period of time isnecessary for the marking and image drawing procedure to be completed.

The developing unit 90 may be implemented as a removable unit containingtoner of desired color. Then, if a developing unit storing red toner,for example, is mounted to the apparatus 8 in the event of marking,marks can be printed in red on an examination paper which is usuallyprinted in black and expected to be filled with answers in a color closeto black by hand. The resulting paper will resemble an ordinary papermarked with a red pen. Further, when the printer has a bicolor copyingfunction, as in the digital copier 2, or a full color copying function,a color image sensor is also located at the image reading section. Then,it is possible to recognize the color of an image printed on a paper onthe basis of the image data, and mark the paper in a color differentfrom the recognized color.

The paper making function available with the present invention will bedescribed more specifically.

FIG. 24 shows a specific system arrangement of the data base 5, FIG. 8,which is essentially similar to the system arrangement of a digitalcopier. As shown, the data base 5 has a scanner 501 for reading papersand sheets on which correct answers, or exemplary answers, are entered.A plotter 502 is used to print registered questions and correct answersfor confirmation. A dictionary 503 is installed to recognize thecontents of image data read by the scanner 501 (questions and correctanswers). A CCU 504 allows questions and correct answers to be sent byfacsimile. A modem 505 selectively compresses or expands suchcommunication data. An NCU 506 is connected to a communication line inorder to control originating call and terminating call. A systemcontroller 507 executes various kinds of control particular to thepresent invention and predetermined data base control. An operation anddisplay panel 508 interfaces the operator to the data base 5 whenquestions and correct answers are registered. An image memory 509temporarily stores image data in the event of reading and writingimages. A question memory 510 is accessible for registering a number ofquestions. An answer memory 511 is used to store correct answers to thequestions. A bus 152 connects them to each other. The memories 509-511may each be implemented as part of a single large capacity memory, ifdesired.

FIG. 25 shows a specific arrangement of the operation and display panel508 included in the data base 5. As shown, the panel 508, like the panel21 of the copier shown in FIG. 11, has a start key 513, a stop key 514,numeral keys 515, and an LCD 516. In addition, a question register key517 and an answer register key 518 are provided on the panel 508 toallow new questions and new answers thereto to be read by the scanner501 and registered.

The operation of the data base 5 having the above construction will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 26. First, whether or not the questionregister key 517 is pressed, whether or not the answer register key 518is pressed, and whether or not a question request is received byfacsimile are sequentially determined (steps S1-S3). When the answer ofthe step S1 is positive, Y, a question register mode is set up (stepS4). When the answer of the step S2 is Y, an answer register mode is setup (step S5). When the answer of the step S3 is Y, a question send modeis set up to store data designated by the received signal (step S6). Inthe question register mode or the answer register mode, whether or not adocument (paper or sheet with correct answers) is present on thedocument table of the scanner 501 is determined (step S7). If the answerof the step S7 is negative, N, the program awaits a document; ifotherwise, the program waits until the start key 513 has been pressed(step S8). When the start key 513 is pressed or turned on. (Y, step S8),the document is read by the scanner 501 and then written to the imagememory 509 (step S9).

Subsequently, the mode set up is determined (step S10). If the questionregister mode is set up, the content of the image is recognized and thenregistered at the question register memory 510 (step S11). At thisinstant, if the field and/or the rank to which the questions belong isrecognized, the questions will be classified by field and/or rank. Whenthe mode set up is the answer register mode, as determined in the stepS10, the contents of the image are recognized and then written to thecorrect answer memory 511 (step S12). Then, whether or not the currentmode is cancelled is determined (step S13). If the answer of the stepS13 is N, the program returns to the step S7 and allows a plurality ofdocuments to be sequentially read and registered. When another key ispressed as determined in the step or when a predetermined waiting timeexpires as determined in the step S8, the program determines that themode has been cancelled (Y, step S13), and then cancels the mode (stepS14). It is to be noted that when . a paper containing correct answerdata in the form of bar codes or the like, as the paper 70' shown inFIG. 20, correct answer data do not have to be registered independentlyof the question data.

When the question send mode is set up in the step S6, the desired numberof questions is set on a counter (step S15). Subsequently, one of thequestions registered at the memory 510 and belonging to the designatedfield is randomly read out and sent by facsimile to the image processingapparatus sent the question request (step S16). If the question to besent are not accompanied by correct answer data, it is preferable toread the corresponding correct answer data out of the memory 511 andsend it together. After the transmission of the question, the counter isdecremented by 1 (one) (step S17), and then whether or not the resultingcount is zero is determined (step S18). If the answer of the step S18 isN , the program returns to the step S16 to send another question. If theanswer of the step S18 is Y, meaning that all the desired questions havebeen sent, the set mode (question send mode) is cancelled (step S14).

FIG. 27 shows a specific construction of a digital copier which is theimage processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8. The figure illustratespart of the digital copier joining in the production of a paperspecifically. In the figure, the same or similar constituents as or tothe constituents of FIG. 12 aredesignated by the same referencenumerals. As shown, the apparatus has a system controller 300,corresponding to the copy control CPU 20 and application control CPU 30,in addition to the scanner 100, printer 200, dictionary 38, CCU 26, copycontrol CPU 20, operation and display panel 21, image memory 24, CPU bus40, and external storage 43. The CCU 26 sends a question request to thedata base via the modem 26a and NCU 26b by a facsimile protocol andreceives question data and correct answer data from the data base.

In FIG. 27, the data storage 42 is divided into a question memory 42a, acorrect answer memory 42b, a result memory 42c, and an answer memory42d. The question memory 42a is used to register questions read by thescanner 100 in the question register mode or questions received from thedata base in the question receive mode. The correct answer memory 42b isused to register correct answer data read by the scanner 100 in thequestion register mode or correct answer data received from the database in the question receive mode. Further, the result memory 42c playsthe role of result storing means for storing, in the mark mode, theresults of examination person by person or group by group. The answermemory 42d is used to store, in the mark mode, the contents of answersentered into papers and read by the scanner 100.

FIG. 28 shows part of the operation and display panel 21 of FIG. 27joining in the production of an paper specifically. In the figure, thesame or similar constituents as or to the constituents of FIG. 11 aredesignated by the same reference numerals. As shown, there are arrangedon the y panel 21 the start key 16, stop key 27, numeral keys 17, LCD34, question key 14a, field key 14b, and number key 14c.

FIG. 29 demonstrates a procedure in which the apparatus produces a paperin the question receive mode. First, whether or not the question key 14ahas been turned on is determined. If the answer of this step isnegative, N, processing in another mode is executed; if otherwise, thequestion receive mode is set up. When the field key 14b is turned on, apicture showing fields of questions (subjects) appears on the LCD 34, asshown in FIG. 30 specifically. Then, the program awaits the entry of adesired field number ("10" for science, "11" for social studies or "12"for mathematics in FIG. 30). On the entry of a field number, it isstored.

When the number key 14b is turned on, a picture for urging the operatorto enter a desired number of questions appears on the LCD 34, as shownin FIG. 30 specifically. Then, the operator enters a desired number ofquestions on the numeral keys 17. Such a number of questions is stored.Subsequently, a picture for urging the operator to enter a telephonenumber appears on the LCD 34, as shown in FIG. 32 specifically. Atelephone number is also entered on the numeral keys 17 and stored. Whenthe start key 16 is turned on, a call meant for the data base designatedby the telephone number is originated. On the connection of the line, aquestion request is sent to the data base by the facsimile protocolwhile, at the same time, the desired field and the desired number ofquestions are designated. Thereafter, questions (with or without answerdata) are received from the data base and written to the question memory42a. After all the questions have been received, an image representingthe desired number of questions is drawn and then printed on a sheet toproduce a paper.

FIG. 33 is a chart demonstrating the facsimile protocol between the database and the image processing apparatus (digital copier). As shown, onthe origination of a call on the apparatus, a polling receive mode isset up. In this condition, a desired field and a desired number ofquestions are designated by a signal NSC. Question data sent from thedata base in the form of image data are received as a signal PIX. Whilesignals to be interchanged between the calling station and the calledstation by the facsimile protocol are well known in the art, they willbe outlined hereinafter. A signal CNG is a 1100 Hz signal to be sentfrom the calling station first a signal CED is a 2100 Hz signal whichthe called station sends first in response to the signal CNG. SignalsDIS and NSF are identification signals sent from the calledstation afterthe signal CED and having a frame format. The signal DIS indicates thatthe called station has a receiving function prescribed by the CCITTstandards. The signal NSF is a non standard function identifying signalhaving at least two octets of FIF and for identifying a particularuser's request which does not belong to the range of Recommendations T.A signal NSC is a digital non standard function command signal returnedfrom the calling station in response to the information contained in theNSF signal. A signal NSS is a non standard function setting signalindicative of a function to be selected from the non standard functionsindicated by the signal NSC or NSF. A signal TCF is a training checksignal for confirming the training of a modem, which will receive afacsimile message, to thereby determine whether or not a channel isusable at the current transmission rate. A signal CRF is an acknowledgesignal showing that the preliminary procedure has ended and a messagecan be sent. A signal PIX represents facsimile image data (message). Asignal EOP is an end of procedure signal shows that no documents to besent are present after the end of a page of facsimile image data. Asignal MFC is a positive response to EOP and indicates that a messagehas been fully received. A signal DCN indicates the start of a phase Eand is a disconnection command which does not need a response.

FIG. 34 shows a specific signal NSF to be sent from the data base. Asshown, the signal NSF includes "10" showing that questions can betransmitted, "10" showing that the field of questions is science, and"0100" showing that 100 questions are to be sent.

FIG. 35 shows a specific signal NSC to be sent from the image processingapparatus and includes "11" representing a question request, "10"designating science, and "10" showing the desired number of questions.

FIG. 36 shows a specific signal NSS to be sent from the data base inresponse to the signal NSC. As shown, the signal NSS includes "12"indicting the transmission of questions, "10" indicating science, and"10" indicating ten questions.

In this manner, the image processing apparatus can inform the basestation of the desired field (subject) and the desired number ofquestions by use of the signal NSC, while the data base can send thedesignated number of questions by analyzing the signal NSC.

FIG. 37 shows how a number of questions are registered at the data baseand classified by field (subject) and rank (degree of difficulty). Inthis case, questions can be selectively sent to the image processingapparatus on the basis of a rank (easy or difficult). The procedure tobe executed by the image processing apparatus is essentially similar tothe procedure of FIG. 29. However, since a desired rank can bedesignated, steps enclosed by a phantom line in FIG. 38 are executedbetween the storage of the number of questions and the display of thepicture assigned to the entry of a telephone number. Specifically, apicture for urging the operator to enter a desired rank (degree ofdifficulty) appears on the LCD 34, as shown in FIG. 39 specifically. Onthe entry of the rank, it is stored. Subsequently, the picture assignedto a telephone number appears on the LDC 34. In addition, when aquestion request is to be sent, as shown in FIG. 29, the rank isdesignated together with the field and number of questions.

FIG. 40 shows a specific signal NSF to be sent from the data base to theimage processing apparatus when a rank is designated. As shown, thesignal NSF includes "10" indicating that questions can be sent, "01"indicating that the field is science, "0005" indicating that the numberof questions is five, "02" indicating that the questions are easy,"0005" indicating that the number of questions is five, and "21"indicating that the questions are difficult. FIG. 41 shows a specificsignal NSC which the image processing apparatus returns to the data basein response to the signal NSF. As shown, the signal NSC includes "11"representing a question request, "10" designating science, "05"indicating that five questions are requested, and "21" indicating thatthose questions should be difficult. FIG. 43 shows a specific signal SCCwhich the data base sends in response to the signal NSC and including"12" indicating the transmission of questions, "10" designating science,"10" representing five questions, and "21" showing that the questionsare difficult.

FIG. 43 shows a specific result supervising table stored in the resultmemory 42c and listing marks produced by the procedure of FIG. 27. Theresults of consecutive examinations are sequentially stored andaccumulated on an individual or group (grade) basis. As shown, aparticular name code is assigned to each examinee and entered into apaper together with a name. Then, it is possible to read the name codes(101, 102, 201 and 202 in FIG. 43) together with the marks. The marksare averaged person by person or group by group and classified by rating(A-C).

FIG. 44 shows criteria which the image processing apparatus uses tocheck the result supervisory table and determine the level of questions.As shown, the apparatus determines that the questions made for theindividuals or groups rated A or B are "difficult" and the questionsmade for the individuals or groups rated C are "easy". Hence when aperson rated B requests the data base to send questions, the data baseautomatically selects "difficult" question; when a person rated C willbe automatically provided with "easy" questions. This can be implementedby a procedure essentially similar to the procedure of FIG. 29, exceptthat steps enclosed by a phantom line in FIG. 45 occur between thestorage of the number of questions and the display of the pictureassigned to a telephone number. Specifically, a picture shown in FIG. 46appears on the LCD 34 to urge the operator to enter a name (code). Whenthe operator enters a name (101, 102 or the like), the apparatus storesit and then references the table of FIG. 43 to see a level matching thename. Subsequently, the apparatus automatically determines the degree ofdifficulty of questions to make by referencing the relation shown inFIG. 44. Thereafter, the picture assigned to a telephone number, FIG.32, appears on the LCD 34. When individuals are replaced with groups(e.g. grades), a particular code number will be assigned to each group.Further, when a question request is sent to the base station by theprocedure of FIG. 29, the degree of difficulty (rank) automaticallydetermined on the basis of the name of a person or that of a group isdesignated together with the field and number of questions.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 27 has the external storage 43 and can,therefore, store questions received from the data base and paper datadrawn on the basis of the questions.

The embodiments have been shown and described in relation to an imageprocessing apparatus implemented as a digital copier and having a papermaking function and an automatic marking function. However, they arepracticable even with equipment other than a digital copier and havingone or both of the two functions.

In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides anexamination paper making system having various unprecedented advantages,as enumerated below.

(1) Any person can produce various kinds of papers rapidly and easily bydesignating only a desired number of questions and, if necessary, afield (subject) and other factors. Even a learner can produce a paperand test himself. Further, when an individual or a group is designated,questions belonging to a rank (degree of difficulty) which matches thepast results of the individual or group can be prepared.

(2) When the system is provided with an automatic marking function, itautomatically marks a paper with answers only if the paper is set on ascanner. Assume that a digital copier, or image forming apparatus, isprovided with the paper making function and automatic marking functionto construct the paper making system. Then, while the system usuallyoperates as a copier, it can produce a paper and automatically mark it,as desired. Hence, such functions are achievable without resorting anexclusive apparatus and reduces equipment cost while promoting theefficient operation of the copier.

(3) When the image processing apparatus itself has a scanner, thescanner may be used to read and register questions other than questionsavailable , from a data base. In this case, the apparatus can registernumerous new questions thereat without receiving questions from the database. If desired, both the questions registered at the data base and thequestions registered at the apparatus may be used to produce a newpaper. If such questions and data associated with a paper drawn arewritten to an external storage, a paper identical with the paper made inthe past can be easily produced at any desired time.

(4) When the image processing apparatus has the automatic markingfunction, marks and circles, crosses, triangles and other patternsrepresenting the evaluation of the individual answers may be formed andoutput on a paper in a color different from the color of the questionsand answers. The resulting marked paper will appear as if the actualpaper were marked, facilitating the examiner's recognition.

Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the artafter receiving the teachings of the present disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for making an examination paper,comprising:a data base storing a number of questions registered thereat;and an apparatus for making an examination paper by using the questionsregistered at said data base; said apparatus comprising:question storingmeans for storing data representing the questions received from saiddata base either directly or via a network; number designating means fordesignating a desired number of questions;question making means forrandomly selecting, among the number of questions registered at saiddata base, the desired number of questions and writing said desirednumber of questions in said question storing means to thereby makequestions; and outputting means for forming an image representing thequestions made by said question making means on a recording sheet andoutputting said recording sheet as an examination paper.
 2. A system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises an externalstorage for storing the questions made by said question making means ina form of data representing the examination paper.
 3. A system formaking an examination paper, comprising:a data base storing a number ofquestions registered thereat; and an apparatus for making an examinationpaper by using the questions registered at said data base; said database comprising question registering means for registering the number ofquestions while classifying said questions by rank; said apparatuscomprising:question storing means for storing data of the questionsreceived from said data base either directly or via a network; resultstoring means for storing results of past markings on an individualbasis or a group basis; number designating means for designating adesired number of questions; designating means for designating anindividual or a group; level determining means for determining, based ondata stored in said result storing means and representing the results ofpast markings, a level of the individual or the group designated by saiddesignating means; question making means for selecting, among the numberof questions registered at said data base and classified by rank, thedesired number of questions designated by said number designating meansand belonging to the rank matching the level determined by said leveldetermining means, and for storing said desired number of questions insaid question storing means to thereby make questions; and outputtingmeans for forming an image representing the questions made by saidquestion making means on a sheet and outputting said sheet as anexamination paper.
 4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein saidapparatus further comprises an external storage for storing thequestions made by said question making means in a form of datarepresenting the examination paper.